Quantum entanglement in the brain: the secret of human consciousness?

The human brain might harbor even more mysteries than we ever imagined.

A recent study by researchers in China proposes an intriguing hypothesis: entangled photons could be generated inside the myelin sheaths, the structures that surround nerve fibers. This discovery could provide a new explanation for the surprising speed of neural communication, a key element in understanding consciousness.


Neural communication, which is essential for brain function, relies on electrical signals traveling along axons. These axons are coated with myelin, a lipid substance that insulates and protects nerve fibers while accelerating signal propagation. However, the speed of these signals is still slower than that of sound and is too slow to explain the precise neuronal synchronization observed.

To explore this issue, the researchers applied quantum mechanics techniques inside the myelin sheath, treating it as an electromagnetic cavity. They discovered that entangled photons could be produced there, facilitating instantaneous communication along the axons. This entanglement, a phenomenon where two particles are closely linked, could allow for far faster information transmission than through electrical signals alone.

The results show that the production of these entangled photons could be significantly increased within the cavities formed by myelin. This entanglement could even influence the ion channels of neurons, which are essential for opening and closing signaling pathways, potentially across considerable distances within the brain.


Although this research is in its early stages, the discovery opens new perspectives on how neurons might synchronize their activities. It hints at a potential link between consciousness and quantum phenomena, a field still largely unexplored. Researchers hope that this direction will help them better understand the deep mechanisms of neuronal synchronization.